Spread the Net

U.S. PRESIDENT

Stronach meets U.S. President Bush

Investments in global public health could be a positive legacy for U.S.

President George Bush, who signed a presidential proclamation recently to declare his commitment to eradicating malaria, says Liberal MP Belinda Stronach.

Ms. Stronach was in Washington, D.C., on April 25, World Malaria Day, and attended the president's signing along with representatives of "Malaria No More," of which she is a board member. Ms. Stronach, who runs her own anti-malaria campaign with comedian Rick Mercer called "Spread the Net," said the board of Malaria No More met and then was invited to the White House to speak with Mr. Bush who reiterated his passion for global public health concerns. "We renew our commitment to lead the world toward the urgent goal and noble mission of turning the tide against malaria in Africa and around the world," Mr. Bush said in a press release from the White House.

Ms. Stronach said G8 countries have committed to eradicating malaria by 2010. To do so, 250 million bed nets need to be distributed throughout the world, but there is only funding through donor countries, the World Bank, the Global Fund and private international organizations for 131 million nets. The goal is achievable, Ms. Stronach said, whose Spread the Net organization has already raised $2-million and delivered 100,000 bed nets to Liberia and Rwanda. "It's just a question of resources," she said, adding that Canada is on track to meet its G8 commitment, but it could do more to allocate those resources.

-Bea Vongdouangchanh

 Hill Times, May 5, 2008